Author: Lynden McGriff

 

Today’s Reading: Psalms 66

God has many blessings for us and is ready to pour these upon you, when you and He are in alignment. 

When you’re about to embark on a breakthrough, God is preparing you and strengthening you. But as the breakthrough is about to happen the enemy sees the future of you and wants to shake you. 

An example would be right before the storm happens, the world gets calm. The thunder rolls. The lightning strikes and then the rain comes down. The rain comes down in sheets. Once the rain has finished and the thunder and lightning roll away, the coolness of the after storm comes in. The freshness of the day begins. All of the dust and the debris from before the storm is washed away. 

Now you can go into the next day or “after storm”  with refreshment and clean and clarity. 

The enemy tries to hinder you and frighten you before the storm comes so that you can hide and be fearful of the after storm. But God, send angels and encouragement before the storm, during the storm, and after the storm.

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭66‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.66.1-12.ESV

In this psalms passage  David is given joy for his after the storm. David is showing Israel that before the storm Israel was frightened. David gives the people a memory of before the storm and the after storm. He shows them the good deeds of God. 

Sometimes when we are in the midst of change and the midst of hurt and in the midst of despair we can forget that God is ready for us on the other side. There may be obstacles that come your way, but these obstacles are only there to hinder you from your blessings that are on the other side of the obstacle.

May God continue to give us these angels and the words of peace and understanding and Solace in the before the storm, during the storm so that we can see the blessings of the after the storm.

Today’s Reading : Psalms 60

As with many of my posts, I attempt to see the biblical text in a way that it is relatable and can give insight into God’s plan in my life. Today’s text is Psalms 60.  

“O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 

That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 

God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬-‭10‬, ‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

With this particular text, I see God, as our father and us in our infancy. As a dad, I have many memories of my children from infancy up until their current ages. One of the most vivid images that I can see in my mind that can relate to this story is : Feeding time for the infant.

Most of the time when you have an infant, you know their schedules and you’re able to anticipate their needs easily. Feeding. Napping. Changing. Activities. 

One of the most intense and emotional provoking is when the infant is suddenly hungry and you have to prepare their food. You  have an infant that is screaming and crying for food. You have to put them down in a safe place. Then you have to get the bottle ready and warmed. Then you return to give the infant their food and sustenance.  This is what I call, “Hold tight, BRB (Be Right Back).”  You momentarily, leave the infant in a safe place and then get the things that they are needing and then you return. 

As the adult, you understand what you’re doing.  The infant feels abandoned. They understand that the person who is taking care of them, left them and they are in a vulnerable spot. They’re hopeless and they’re helpless.  They cannot fully comprehend the situation.  They are scared and just want to be held and comforted.  

This is what I believe David is trying to convey in this psalm.   He is scared and feels the presence of God removed from him.  He feels isolated and vulnerable.   But in the latter portion of the psalm, God reassures David that he will be taken care of, he has brought sustenance and comfort to him.  

As a father, I have seen that as the children grow older the true nature of the father continues to grow as well. When the children are in infancy, the main things that you have to think about are : protection, nourishment, engagement, comfort, and growth. As the children grow,  these core values of parenting do not  vanish or diminish.  They morph and evolve into other elements. I’m 43 and my mom and dad still asked me the same questions when I talked to them: How  are you doing? Are you eating well? Are you sleeping well? Are you taking care of yourself? No matter how old you get your parents are still making sure that they are taking care of the core values. 

In the same way as we continue to grow and mature in God, God will always continue to have those same core values for us as well. Sometimes we may not feel his presence immediately, but he is always taking care of us. Sometimes it is a case of “Hold tight, BRB“ 

This week and in the following weeks,  as we continue to listen to God’s wisdom and feel his presence, sometimes we may feel that we are in the midst of the valley of despair, but we have to understand that he is working and will be there to strengthen us and comfort us in the time of need. 

Be blessed

Today’s Reading : Psalms 55

Give ear to my prayer, O God,
    and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2 Attend to me, and answer me;
    I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3 because of the noise of the enemy,
    because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
    and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me,
    and horror overwhelms me.

6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest;
7 yes, I would wander far away;
    I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8 I would hurry to find a shelter
    from the raging wind and tempest.”

If we are able to use the psalms as guides, we can see the different evolutions of David from his beginnings to departure. In this current psalms, we are witnessing David in the latter parts of his life.

Throughout David’s entire life, David showed a sense of perseverance. In the beginning of his life, he was the youngest of his father‘s sons. He was given the most difficult and mundane duties, being a shepherd and watching over the flock and being errand runner. 

In his adolescence and young adult life, was a warrior and a musician and found favor in the Kings court. During this same time he was also pursued by the king and made many attempts to kill him. 

In his adult life, he had to flee and run for his life. He also had questionable items in his life where he betrayed and killed some of his close friends. 

In the later periods of his life, he had some peace, but he was usurped by his son and his best friend. 

In the end of his life, he was still king, and he remembered God‘s grace and God‘s mercy.

In this particular psalms, you can see the maturity of David in his writings. He is understanding where he is in his life. The scholars say that David wrote this during his 62nd year of life. At this point in time, David is in exile from his kingdom. Unlike the previous songs, there is a sense of patience and expectation of God‘s intervention. David is remembering his friends love and his friends betrayal. David is able to be more at peace during this period of time then in previous years. David is able to wait and see the glory of God in all situations.

But I call to God and the Lord will save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon

    I utter my complaint and moan,

    and he hears my voice.

18 He redeems my soul in safety

    from the battle that I wage,

    for many are arrayed against me.

19 God will give ear and humble them,

    he who is enthroned from of old, Selah

because they do not change

    and do not fear God.

Many times we have different situations and different scenarios throughout our lives. Sometimes there is a recurring theme that happens to these. When we are first introduced to these situations, we are anxious and troubled. When we see these situations or scenarios later on, we can have a better understanding of it, but we still have some anxiety. But when we allow God to use us in each of these situations, we are able to see the fullness of the situation. We can wait and see what God has planned for us. We are able to have a piece that transcends all understanding.

What are the things that we are experiencing this week that we’ve seen before? What are the things that we are seeing for the uncountable time, what are the ways that we can show others? God’s grace in a miss of the situation?

Be blessed.

Today’s Reading: Galatians 2

Experience is one of the best teachers. Through the process of learning and growing, we understand and gain wisdom. By undergoing different circumstances we experience. When we are attentive we can learn from every interaction and situation that we have.   If we have guided experience, we grow to be a better person. If we have a difficult experience, we learn to rise above the challenges so that we can give that knowledge to others. Over the last several years, writing blogs and posts I have gained experience in Paul and his writings. In this writing, Paul is keeping it real. He is showing his experience in years and he is also showing his dedication to the mission despite what others think.

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Paul Opposes Peter

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” – Galatians 2:1-14

In this chapter of Galatians, Paul is reflecting on some interactions that he had with Peter, also noticed as Cephas.  Paul is telling us  how long he and the apostles have known each other. From this interaction, we should see that they have known each other for almost 20 years after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.Paul also informs us that he was given the mission of spreading the gospel to the non-Jewish people, also known as Gentiles. Paul also tells that Peter was commissioned to spread the gospel to the traditional Jewish people.

One of the major themes in this particular chapter is Paul is keeping it real with everybody. Paul is showing what is most important without question. Paul establishes his credibility and he also establishes his ability to step up when the time is right and to do what is right for the good of the gospel. Paul also shows that Peter wanted to keep up appearances. Paul is asking us not to be pretentious. Paul wants us to be genuine in all of our actions.  Paul shows us how to be genuine no matter who we are with or what we are doing.  If the people that we are with can not understand the genuine person that we are, why are we with them?  Paul wants us to be  an ambassador of God‘s love to everybody despite possible interactions are unfavorable circumstances.

We all have been Peter.  We all have denied Christ in our daily lives.  We all have tried to be someone other than ourselves.  We all have tried to play both sides.  Paul is challenging us to know ourselves and at the same time be uncomfortable when it is hard. 

If we are trying to show God‘s love, let us show God‘s love without conditions or fear of retribution or retaliation. If we are mentoring our ministering to someone it is okay to be seen. If we are in a midst of our own failures,  it is okay to show God’s love in the midst of our failures.

This chapter really brings a realness to our daily walk. Paul challenge us to keep it real. Paul is charging us to love despite of the hurt. Paul is challenging us to remember our mission and to give God‘s love no matter what the consequences are no matter who is watching. 

 

Today’s Reading : II Corinthians 12 

Have you ever taken a test and every question that you answer is correct?

Have you ever played a game and you were winning consecutively without losing?

Have you ever been on a “ lucky streak” where you are constantly winning? 

Sometimes these things happen to us and we question ourselves “is this real?” We then sabotage or lose our focus and the streak ends.

The world that we live in exists due to balances. Light and dark. Cold and hot. Wet and dry. There is a balance of all things that we have in our life. There is no perfection in our life.  One of the best quotes about perfection that I have read is 

“One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist….. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”- Stephen Hawkins 

On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – II Corinthians 12:5-10

In this chapter of Corinthians, this is one of the last pieces of advice that Paul is giving the Corinthians. He tells about his own affliction or injury or anchor to this world. Paul shows that his life had been ordered to a certain doctrine of Jewish law. In the Jewish customs, he seem to be almost perfect. Paul also references his connection with Christ after Jesus‘s resurrection and ascension into heaven. These two facts would have created him to be the “perfect“ person to deliver the message of the gospel. 

But in his travels and in his life, Paul has this affliction that has brought him insurmountable suffering. As Paul is explaining this, he is not using his pedigree or his conversion to win people over, he’s actually using the contrary. He is speaking that his affliction actually allows him to be anchored in Christ in the midst of everything. Sometimes we may feel that we are in control, but we are actually submitting to God‘s authority in our life.

Paul could’ve asked himself if all the things that were going on for him” is it real?”. He had some of the best things happening to him as a Pharisee and as a Sadducee.  He also had a great thing going by being a missionary and delivering the gospel to many. But through his affliction, he was able to sympathize and connect with others through Christ.

There have been countless times in my life where God has provided many things for me and my family. There have also been times where we have had tremendous hurt and pain. But the one constant is in the hurt and pain and in the joy and celebration, God‘s love is continuous. It is through the hurt and pain that we are able to give comfort to others. We have been able to be examples of God‘s love and of his benevolence through some of the most difficult times.

People often ask me how can I smile and be joyful in the midst of all of the hurt and pain, and my response is God‘s love. I’ve seen the abyss and God‘s love has been the bright beacon of light that has allowed me to continue to share his love with others.

Sometimes we question “Is this is real?”Sometimes we are going through extreme highs and the feeling is undeniable.  Sometimes we experience tragic lows in the feeling is indescribable. But through all of the feelings, through all of the challenges and exhilaration, we can rely on God‘s love. This love will help us to continue to love others and to love ourselves in any circumstance.

Be blessed 

Today’s Reading: II Corinthians 2

I’m sorry. 

I apologize. 

Can you forgive me? 

Two of the most challenging things that we can ask for ourselves and others to do is:  apologize and forgive.  

These two things take a level of maturity and understanding that cannot be comprehended until later in life. As an adult man, it’s hard for me to acknowledge my failure and to make amends for those.  Even though I cannot count each time that I have intentionally and intentionally harmed someone,  I attempt to reconcile. 

In our passage today, Paul is writing the second letter to the Corinthians.  One new nugget of wisdom and insight that I was revealed was he is apologizing for his tone in the previous letter and asking the congregation to forgive someone high in the church. He is asking for forgiveness ( apologizing) and he is also asking the church to forgive someone else. 

“And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we apologize we have to understand that we have offended someone. Sometimes it is evident in the way that we have hurt someone… we have spoken to them in a harsh manner; our tone was too rough; or we have inflicted an injury in a way that you can see pain in the other person.  Sometimes it is subtle to us such as a slight phrase or word that injures the person.  I have been guilty of both forms.  As I grow, I have become more aware of my own actions and attempt to right my wrongs as soon as possible. 

Apologies have to originate with the offender. It is on them to create the apology and the understanding that they were wrong in the matter.  Sometimes the offender has to be made aware of your offense by the other party. Sometimes this is really hard for both parties to understand and reconcile with each other. But in the end, the offender is asking for amends. 

“Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭7‬, ‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Forgiveness is where the offended acknowledges the harm and hurt that was done to them and they have made amends with themself. This then releases the offended person from any anguish , anger, or malice to the person.  The forgiver doesn’t necessarily forget any of the ordeal, yet they chose to move from being a victim to becoming a victor in their self care. 

Both of these acts can be very challenging if we were trying to do them without God’s help. This is why it is a vital part of the Lord‘s prayer.

“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We will offend and be offended, but with God’s love we are able to reconcile to each other and find peace.  

May we enter this week with hearts and eyes open to give grace and mercy in apologizing and forgiving each others.  

Be blessed 

 

Today’s Reading: I Corinthians 16 

As we recognize and celebrate our father’s and father–figures, I see this message of Paul’s as a father‘s blessing to his children.

Over my lifetime, there have been many times when I have gone on a voyage or gone away to college and I would have conversations with my father and then we were start our goodbye before the departure.

Many times this will start in the house in one room. Then we would say our goodbyes and then proceed to the front room of the house. Then in the front room, we will have another conversation for about 2 to 5 minutes. Then we say our goodbyes. Next, we would go out to the car and spend another 2 to 5 minutes speaking about another subject. Then we say our goodbyes and give our hugs. So the full goodbyes take about 20 minutes or so.

These times that we saying goodbye are those lasting memories that you have with that person. You save for each moment because you never know when it might be the last.

Over my life, I have had several memories of last conversations of my loved ones. I remember the last conversation with my grandmother that was over 22 years ago. I remember my last conversation with my wife’s grandfather which was over 11 years ago. I remember each of the conversations I’ve had with my mother and my father and my in-laws over the last several years. We are still fortunate to have our parents, but each time that we leave them, I embrace and remember the last final words and blessings that they give us. In this last chapter of Corinthians, we can see that Paul is giving these blessings and pieces of knowledge to the next people.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come…

I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go…

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost …

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am….  

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity… 

Let all that you do be done in love….  

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord…

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you…

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭8‬, ‭10‬, ‭12‬, ‭14‬, ‭17‬, ‭19‬, ‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

With these blessings that we received from Paul let us also remember the blessing that we communicate with others. Now that I am a father as well, I try to give small nuggets of wisdom each time my kids go on a trip or away from me for a period of time. Each one of these times I remember their face, their hug, and their smell.

I have learned not to take goodbyes and hellos for granted. I have learned that these special moments, even though they might take a moment to do these could be the things that last for a lifetime in my memory.

Lord allow us to be with you and be with others in our most vulnerable spots. Allow each of the conversations that we have to be meaningful and to be remembered. Allow us to enjoy each other as if each moment could be our last. May you continue to smile upon us and give us grace and give us peace. Amen.

Be blessed.

 

Today’s Reading: Psalm 29

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ascribe literally translates to : Write this down.

Write this down …. Write this down…. Write this down.

This is only stated when something important is happening.  This is the call to attention that needs to remembered and transmitted to everyone.

How important is it to write things down?  During the last year of college, while taking a graduate level mathematics course; I learned how to pay attention and write things down. The class consisted of only five people. The professor walks in and starts to write on the board. Everyone around me starts to write in their notebook. I was listening to him and paying attention.  The professor filled the entire board in less than five minutes. He spoke to the class for two minutes. He turned around and erased everything that he wrote. He then he began to start writing again. I did not get the memo that I needed to write everything down, so I started to feverishly write all the notes that he was giving me. It taught me not take for granted anything that was told to me, it may not be repeated. Now,  I am a prolific note taker.

In this psalm , David is telling everyone the magnitude in the magnificent of the spirit of God. He even references the first part of Genesis in this psalm…

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

David also tell the power and gentleness of God the Spirit

“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!””

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭4‬-‭7‬, ‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

With this might and power of the Spirit, David shows the true mission of the Spirit…

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It’s not just trying to tell us what and how the spirit of God works, but he also is telling us that when we allowed to Spirit to work and move in us that he is given us peace and strength and all the things that we do. This is the true mission of the Spirit is to show God‘s awesomeness in everyday life. This shows how the love that God gives provides strength and peace to us to overcome all things.

Be blessed

 

Today’s Readings: Romans 10

Attempting to digest Romans is challenging.  There are so many different ideas that Paul is attempting to convey to the Romans with the history of the Jewish faith and this new concept of Christ atonement for every one.  One of the best ways that I can think of how to describe the theme of Chapter 10 is directions from a father for a project.  

The Law would be similar to a father giving instructions to the child about a project.  When directing the child about the project the father gives specific instructions to the child.  You can give simple or very specific examples and illustrations for the project.  The directions can even have step by step pictures that show all of the intricacies of how to complete the project.  Then the father leaves the child to complete the project.  The Father will come and check in with the child, but the child is attempting to complete the project independently.  This child is not a youth, but an adult.  The child has the ability to complete the project independently.  

With the Blood of Christ, the project is more like the father and the child working on the project together.  They both have the instructions and illustrations, but they are working together.  The relationship of this couple is different from the previous.  The Father is connected with the child and both are able to see the progress of the project.  With this situation,  the Father can give in the moment direction and encouragement.  The Blood of Christ allows the relationship to be reconnected with the father and the child. 

When the Law was given,  it was instructions to the people of Israel.  The people of Israel were given multiple commandments and were given helpers, in the prophets, to help them to get to heaven and absolve their sins.  But God understood that they were not able to help themselves and sent Christ to reconnect the people, the people of Israel and all the of the world, back to Himself.  

My prayer is that we continue to remember that we are in relationship with God and able to have him with us daily. We don’t have to attempt to complete the project with only the instructions, the Law or the book, but we have the ability to access our Father to help and continual support and instructions daily to be more like him.  Be blessed.